Performer Information

Katie Kohler was born and raised in Minnesota and began playing piano at the age of five, flute at the age of six, and voice lessons at 12. Throughout high school she was lucky to receive flute lessons from members of the Minnesota and Saint Paul Chamber Orchestras.

Katie attended the University of Minnesota for undergraduate and graduate studies in flute performance. She is Director of Music at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Saint Paul and is also a free-lance musician. Katie is a first place winner in the 2016 Thursday Musical Young Artist Competition, College Winds/Brass division.

Marianne Bryan earned a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Minnesota. She served as President of Minnesota Music Teachers Association and also on the national board of MTNA. Currently an independent piano teacher, her previous teaching experience includes 20 years at the University of St. Thomas. A frequent performer, Dr. Bryan has performed at the Ordway Theatre, Walker Arts Center, Northrop Auditorium, and Temple Israel as well as on the live radio broadcasts "Live from Landmark" in St. Paul and "Noontime at Hochstein" in New York.

Dr.Stella Sick is an active solo and chamber performer and an adjunct assistant professor at Hamline University where she teaches piano. She has been a Managing Director of the International Piano-e-Competition and e-Piano Junior Competition since June 2004. An authority in long distance piano teaching and performance, Dr. Sick is a sought after music technology consultant. She has become a frequent presenter at major conferences, including the College Music Society, Music Teachers National Association, and the National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy.

Patricia Kent has performed as soloist with many orchestras including Wooster (OH) Symphony, the Duluth Superior Symphony, the Minnesota Orchestra and the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra. She holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Minnesota, where she won the coveted Schussler Vocal Prize. Patricia is a featured artist on several recordings, including the Minnesota AIDS Quilt Songbook, “All in the Family” a CD of songs of Fanny and Felix Mendelssohn with pianist Robert Koopmann and a CD of French songs, la Vie Intérieure, with Roderick Phipps-Kettlewell. She is also an experienced operatic singer and chamber musician and serves on the music faculty of Macalester College and The College of St. Benedict/ St. John’s University.

London-born pianist Roderick Phipps-Kettlewell received his musical training in England, France, the Juilliard School, and has performed throughout Europe and the United States, most notably at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Hall. Roderick’s multifaceted musical career includes conducting choirs, orchestras and Gilbert and Sullivan operettas, playing chamber music, and songs from all over the world. He has collaborated with violinists to saxophonists, and all instruments in between. He is currently writing a book about how to develop more imagination, creativity and expression in the teaching and learning of music. More information can be found at www.amademusic.com.

OboeBass! has created a new genre of oboe/bass duo repertoire which they perform across America. They have received grants from the American Composers Forum, the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, and the Minnesota State Arts Board. As 2014 Minnesota Public Radio Artists in Residence, they presented Class Notes programs to thousands of Twin Cities students. In May of 2016 they released their 4th CD, Monk Fish Tango, Music for English Horn and Double Bass by Timothy Goplerud. They also present music educational programs for all ages, including work for the Minnesota Orchestra’s YPSCA and Thursday Musical. In the 2015-16 season they presented over 200 duo recitals and educational programs. Carrie teaches at the MacPhail Center for Music, and Rolf teaches at Gustavus Adolphus College. Both freelance in the Twin Cities.